Recently saw some "leaked" set/prop photos from Episode VII that highly suggest practical effects are being given their due. Nothing spoilerish, really - there was, for example, a very large practical creature that is allegedly piloted from the inside by five technicians.

A video I recommend checking out (again, no spoilers except for the implied identity of a certain planet): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfNiC9iKM0Q

Abrams is on set of the new film, talking about a charity cause. While he's addressing the camera, a creature ambles over from - a beautiful, practical, puppet-faced animatronic costume that looks right out of the Henson workshop. That strikes me as a purposeful bit of marketing to assuage at least one valid worry about the new films!